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For nearly two decades Alessandra Ambrosio has been a mainstay on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway. Now the 36-year-old Brazilian beauty is hanging up her Angel wings, confirming the retirement rumors with an Instagram announcement posted early this morning. Ambrosio thanked her Victoria’s Secret family for countless memories made along the way—not least of all the time she strutted out in 30-pound wings and body jewelry while two months pregnant in 2011.
“Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have been working for this amazing brand that inspires me and women all over the world,” wrote Ambrosio. “Last night was so emotional to say goodbye to my #angel sisters but we put on the biggest and best show ever.” Ambrosio is a true VS veteran—she’s tied with Adriana Lima for the most VS shows under her belt (17!) of any model and is also one of a handful to have donned the Fantasy Bra. She took her last turn as an Angel at the brand’s show in Shanghai yesterday, a moment that was both monumental and bittersweet. Before closing out the show, Ambrosio blew a big kiss to the crowd, though she’ll surely be sending many more from the sidelines in the years to come. As she put in writing on Instagram: “I will always be cheering for you!”
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